Almost 700 people, mostly seniors, have put their names to a petition calling for New Zealand Post to save the postal service at Allenton Pharmacy.
It’s a lifeline for many in the area; especially those without access to public transport, pharmacy co-owner Carolyn Cameron says.
She, along with staff member Gail Punselie, handed the petition – in a New Zealand Post bag – to representative Amanda Grigg Hewson in the office of Rangitata MP James Meager on Friday.
In Ashburton, three centres are proposed to close from May; NZ Post Creek Rd (On the Spot, Creek Rd), NZ Post Allenton (Allenton Pharmacy) and NZ Post Hampstead (On the Spot, Beach Rd).
Punselie said each signature on the petition had been handwritten by people who had visited the shop. Many especially to sign it and express their concern about the proposals.
It was an impressive response, she said.
‘‘That’s a lot for our little area, and they were still going.’’
‘‘We couldn’t do an online one because half them don’t have i-pads (or computers),’’ Punselie said.
The pharmacy, which services two rest homes in the area, has more than 7500 people in its suburb.
It had taken up the postal service instore about 10 years ago, so the community did not lose it from the area.
‘‘Well, we are the same now, we don’t want the community to lose it.’’
An impromptu visit by a NZ Post retail manager during last week had done little to quell closure concerns.
They implied residents could use the bus service to get to their nearest post shop, Punselie said.
‘‘I said, ‘‘this is Ashburton, we don’t have a bus.’’
‘‘They didn’t really know that part of it either. It’s a big thing from some of our (seniors).’’
Last month, Grey Power national president Gayle Chambers said it was far more difficult for seniors living with limited transport options.
Seniors, who rely on in-person support, were increasingly finding themselves disconnected, disadvantaged, and disempowered by decisions made without adequate community consultation, Chambers said.
She said these closures posed a serious threat to seniors’ access to essential services, financial independence, and social inclusion.
“I predict that there will be no postal service in 10–15 years and this is just a start to the long line of closures that will continue.”
Rangitata MP James Meager said, on Monday, that he had passed on the petition as well as the concerns of the community.
“I understand NZ Post’s decision to close operations at Allenton Pharmacy will be disappointing news to those who regularly used its services.
“While this is a commercial decision made in the context of declining postal volume, I have made sure NZ Post is aware of the concerns raised by the community.’’
